Students today can easily access information online, so libraries are no longer necessary.
Do you agree or disagree?
Some people argue that libraries are no longer essential, now that students have access to educational resources online. I think that this claim has surface-level appeal, but it is far too reductive to be accepted.
On the one hand, there are good reasons why libraries now face functional redundancies. One might be the ease with which students can search, find, and save information, compared to the time-consuming operation of doing the same thing in a library. We should also consider the volume of online information. Students can read extensively on any matter from a wider range of sources, which contrasts starkly with a far limited number of books on any given topic in a typical library.
Despite all this, libraries are still essential. Not all information is equal, as the word ‘online’ does not always imply reliable information. Libraries curate peer-reviewed or academically trustworthy materials and reference books, which is something the internet often fails to do, as anyone can upload anything. More important is the role of a library beyond its function as a storage space for books. It is a learning environment enriched with professional librarians and community programs that offer quiet, guidance, and social interaction, allowing students to focus and engage with the material and other students, unlike dorms or bedrooms.
These discussions underscore the significance of libraries in a world where the internet and the proliferation of online resources pose a threat to their very existence. They might witness a further decline in functionality due to the lure of easy access to and wider availability of online information, but some students will still have to rely on them to gain access to reliable information and for other benefits they provide.
Written and edited by Mohammaditabar
